Impact of Autologous Bone Marrow-Derived Stem Cells on Degenerative Changes of Articulating Surfaces Associated With the Arthritic Temporomandibular Joint: An Experimental Study in Rabbits.

PURPOSE: This study evaluated the effect of bone marrow-derived stem cells (BMSCs) on degenerative changes of TMJ associated with bovine collagen type II (BCII) induced-arthritis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty rabbits were divided into 3 groups. Group I (n = 10) received no treatment. Group II (n = 20) was divided into 2 subgroups according to treatment type. One subgroup (n = 10) received an intra-articular (IA) injection of phosphate buffered saline (PBS) and the other (n = 10) received an IA injection of PBS plus BMSCs. Group III (n = 20) received an injection of oil emulsion of BCII before treatment with PBS or PBS plus BMSCs as in group II. Rabbits were euthanized after the third week and the joints were processed for histology.

RESULTS: Compared to TMJs of subgroup III treated with PBS, TMJs of subgroup III treated with combined therapy showed improvements in all parameters tested. Mean values in mm3 for this subgroup regarding fibrous condylar covering, cartilaginous condylar plate, subchondral bone, articular eminence, upper joint cavity, lower joint cavity and disc thickness were 4.04±0.13, 5.09±0.08, 25.29±0.36, 10.54±0.36, 4.53±0.44, 3.21±0.27, and 24.52±0.41, respectively. Significant differences were found between subgroups mean values of group II and group IIII.

CONCLUSIONS: BMSCs can be used safely and effectively to repair degenerative changes in rabbit TMJs associated with BCII-induced arthritis.